Portable greenhouse cart

ABSTRACT

A portable, wheeled greenhouse includes a chassis that can be wheeled, having upper and lower end portions. The upper end portion includes a tub-like reservoir with side walls and a bottom wall. One or more racks are supported upon the combination of wheeled chassis and tub and above the bottom of the tub so that each rack is sized and shaped to support and suspend a plurality of potted plants above the bottom, yet close enough to the bottom of the tub so that any water that is optionally contained within the tub contacts the supported pots and waters them via wick action. A translucent or transparent canopy fits about the combination of tub and chassis, the canopy can include a support frame with a cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application of Utility patent application Ser. No.09/992,472 filed Nov. 14, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,425. Thisapplication claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/249,400 filed Nov. 15, 2000.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to portable greenhouses and moreparticularly to a portable, wheeled greenhouse having an improvedconstruction that includes a frame that supports a water containing tubor reservoir that has fittings for enabling water to be piped to andfrom the tub. A series of movable racks is supported by the frame abovethe tub and at a position that suspends pots from the racks and into thetub wherein the pots may extend into water and the plants receive watervia osmosis from water contained with the tub.

2. General Background of the Invention

Several patents have issued for portable greenhouse arrangements, Theseinclude the following:

PATENT # TITLE ISSUE DATE  147,849 Fountain, Aquarium, and Flower-PotFeb. 24, 1874 Stands 3,095,670 Seed Starter and Plant Propagator Jul.02, 1963 3,106,801 Portable Electric Greenhouse Oct. 15, 1963 4,045,911Versatile Horticultural Growth Apparatus Sep. 06, 1977 4,316,347Portable Solar Garden Feb. 23, 1982 4,794,727 Wheel-About GreenhouseJan. 03, 1989 4,850,134 Growth Chamber With Solar Energy Jul. 25, 1989Absorber 4,899,487 Storage and Display Receptacle Assembly Feb. 13, 19905,095,649 Storage Receptacle Assembly Mar. 17, 1992 5,448,853 PlantGrowing Apparatus Sep. 12, 1995 5,570,540 Seedling House Nov. 05, 19965,675,932 Plant Growing System Oct. 14, 1997 6,029,398Multi-Compartmentalized Plant Container Feb. 29, 2000

The Risacher U.S. Pat. No. 3,106,801 discloses a portable electricgreenhouse that includes a small receptacle having a transparent coverthat fits over the receptacle.

A wheeled storage and display receptacle assembly for display and/orstorage of floral items is disclosed in the Brownles U.S. Pat. No.4,899,487.

A wheel-about greenhouse is disclosed in the Kevin Smith U.S. Pat. No.4,794,727. The Smith patent includes a wheeled frame. A pair of wheelsare attached to the frame for wheeling the device about. A clear coverfits the upper edge of the frame.

The Harman U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,853 discloses a portable plant growingcart that can accommodate one or more plant trays thereon. The cart isconstructed of rigid frames which are pivotally connected together so asto aid the storage of the cart when not in use. A movable light sourceis supported from the separate frames above the trays at any desiredelevation. Additionally, a fabric like reflective shroud is supportedover both the light source and the cart so as to reflect light backtowards the plant trays when desired.

A seedling house is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,540 issued toWomack. The seedling house includes a number of shelves that haveopenings for receiving pots.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The portable greenhouse cart of the present invention provides ahousehold size of greenhouse for use inside or outside the house in suchas a Florida Room, screen room, patio, or in a garage or cellar. Thecart provides most of the features of a free-standing greenhouse,however, in a size that may be conveniently utilized in restrictedspaces, and freely moved to take advantage of natural sunlight, or, forother convenience, in moving about the inside quarters.

Fundamentally, the cart includes a watertight tub or pan mounted onwheels (such as bicycle wheels), disposed generally at one of the trayand legs (perhaps also including casters). In the inside periphery ofthe tub is disposed a rack (or racks) for holding seed flats, pots andthe like, the rack(s) may be comprised of multiple assembleablepreformed rods or slats having ends for detachable assembly into spacedholes which are set at predetermined positions coordinated such that theadjacent slats support standard sized seed-flats and pots, with therack(s) capable of being readily broken down and reassembled toaccommodate different sized flats or pots.

In a preferred embodiment of assembleable racks, the slats have aprojection resembling the shape of an arrowhead which may be closely andlocally received into a rectangular or a round hole in an adjacent slat.Main framing slats (tray bars) may include an additional keyingprojection to be closely received by a notch disposed in the slatadjacent the spaced holes.

The tray or tub provides a fluid containing reservoir and is preferablyadapted with a drain in the underside of the tray along with a waterinlet connected to an internal watering system within the tray.

The internal watering system may include such as spaced nozzlesactivated by water pressure such that the dispensing nozzle rises out ofthe nozzle housing to spray a limited region of the tray. Wateringnozzles similar to smaller lawn sprinklers are preferred.

The tray may be fitted with an overhead framework for supporting anawning like cover, preferably transparent or translucent, to enablesunlight or artificial light (from an included fixture) to flood theplants and encourage seed germination and plant growth. For furtherenhancing the growth properties of the cart, a low power heating coilmay be disposed adjacent the cart underside to provide supplementalheating should heating be desired.

The portable greenhouse and plant cart of the present invention isengineered and designed to provide improved growth and environmentalcontrol for germination of flower, vegetable, and herb seeds. Thisallows for a great head start on the growing season in residentialgardens. Particularly in climates with a late spring, this product isalso designed to serve alternatively as a patio vegetable, herb, andflower cart garden. The portable greenhouse of the present invention canalso be used in a garage or outside building for storing ferns andpotted plants through winter months.

Anyone who has ever gardened agrees that there is joy in nurturing atiny seed and watching it grow into a robust plant. The portablegreenhouse of the present invention, with its controllable climates, isideally suited for starting plants from tiny little seeds such asperennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetables.

The apparatus of the present invention features a light-weight framethat can be constructed of such as durable lightweight pipe (e.g., one(1) inch PVC) with elbows and tees to form, for example, a 2′×4′ or4′×6′ cart with bicycle size wheels. The one (1) piece bottom panforming the tub can be formed from hard plastic to prevent corrosion orbreakage. Tray holders are preferably formed from hard plastic withadjustable spacing rods for seed flats and pot holders.

In its preferred embodiment, the portable greenhouse has water hose andelectrical heat hookups, a clear plastic cover, and an adjustable lightlocated on top of the cart. A heat cord in the bottom of the pan withtemperature control would keep the cart at a consistent temperaturebased on ambiance. The portable greenhouse temperature controls need tobe set at 70–75 degrees F. for seedling and propagating cutting; a warm65 degrees F. for the germination of most seeds; and 80 degrees F. fortropical varieties.

The cart is preferably about thirty inches high and makes gardening easyfor everyone. This is the same height as a desk, and is ideal height forsliding a chair underneath while working on plants. This height wouldmake gardening available for the physically challenged and elderly.

For the germination of seeds each 2′×4′ cart could hold four seed flats.Each flat could hold eighteen three packs, six six packs, six ninepacks, eighteen two packs, and eighteen 3% 2×3/s' pots. The eighteenthree packs and the six nine packs could yield fifty-four plants perflat and a total of 216 plants per cart. The six six packs and theeighteen two packs could yield thirty-six plants per flat and a total of144 per cart. The eighteen 3′/z″×3′/z″ pots could yield eighteen plantsper seed flat and a total of 72 plants per cart.

The 4′×6″ cart could hold twelve seed flats. The eighteen three packsand six nine packs could yield fifty-four plants per seed flat for atotal of cart 648 plants per cart. The six six packs and eighteen twopacks could yield thirty-six plants per flat and a total per cart of432. The eighteen 3% ×3′/z″ pots could yield eighteen plants per seedflat and a total for cart of 216 plants. A user could have half flowersand half vegetables or other desired combination.

When using the cart as a patio flower, vegetable and/or herb garden, agardener starts with seeds or small plants. Plants are repotted inlarger pots and placed in the cart on the patio, screen porch, etc. ofhome or apartment.

A drain valve is provided in the tub or bottom pan to drain off excesswater from the cart. A garden hose will hook up to the valve so thatwater can be drained into a sink or outside if the cart is to be usedinside. When using the cart outside, water can be drained into flowerbeds or onto the ground.

The watering system includes an adjustable sprinkler head that can bepositioned in the center of the cart. With PVC pipe extensions thesprinkler head rises above the potted plants. Simply twist the top ofthe sprinkler head to adjust the water flow radius.

The wick system is another watering method that can be used for certainplants (e.g., saintpaulias). The wick watering system is made up of twoparts: (1) the upper section serves as a flowerpot and (2) the lowerserves as the saucer-reservoir, holding water and liquid fertilizer. Thewicks in the bottom of the post operate on the principle of the oillamp, drawing water instead of oil. The wick pots offer a healthful andconvenient way to grow African-violet.

The top of the cart features an adjustably positioned light that isremovable and swing-away. With different types of light attachments thelight could range from full spectrum lighting to a heating lamp.

The cover for the portable greenhouse can be manufactured from lightweight clear durable plastic, which allows light penetration whileproviding protection from insects and birds. The lightweight plasticmaterial would also help reduce heat and moisture loss. The cover can beremoved after seed germination, converting the portable greenhouse intoa plant cart for a patio garden. The lightweight cover is preferablyeasily folded and stored in the tool holder on front of the cart or in astorage area. A flap located on top of the cover with a Velcro® fasteneraddresses ventilation needs.

The adjustable tray holders can be manufactured from a hard plastic toprevent corrosion of breakage. The tray connection bar ends can betapered in both directions, allowing them to easily lock in place when ashort taper is passed through the rail. The connection bars can haveholes to accept the taper lead-ins and snap taper, plus being notched tohave a flash top so the cups or pots can sit evenly on all sides.

The bar rail, which holds the plants, is designed to rest on the pipeframe on both ends and have connection bar holes on about two inchcenters. The completed tray holders can be quickly and easily convertedto hold all standard cups, pots, and seed flats and can be adjusted bythe customer for different uses.

The portable greenhouse and plant cart of the present invention isdesigned for easy use and assembly. It can be entirely of plasticmaterials to prevent breakage and corrosion, and enabling easy cleanupafter use. Large wheels can make moving the cart effortless, and a largehandle on the front of the cart can also aid in moving the cart. Theholder or tray on front of the cart will hold small gardening tools andgloves.

The greenhouse cart of the present invention is engineered to makegardening or the germination of plants easier for everyone. It takesaway the hassle of traditional gardening methods for those individualswho may have trouble handling the work load, or simply do not have a lotof gardening space and for people who are just looking for an easiermethod.

The tray holder can be manufactured from a hard plastic to preventcorrosion or breakage while allowing for some flexibility. It can bemade in different colors to easily identify the lengths. Tray connectionbars ends are preferably tapered in both directions to allow for an easylead-in and snap to lock connection. It locks in place when passed theshort taper on the inside.

The connection bars have holes to accept the taper lead-in and snaptaper, plus it is notched to have a flush top so the cups or pots canset evenly on all sides.

The bar rail is designed to rest on the PVC pipe frame on both ends andhave connection bar holes on about 2 inch centers. Two of the connectionbars can be used as a handle on both ends.

The completed tray holder can be quickly and easily converted to holdall standard cups, pots and flats plus can be customer adjusted forspecial uses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an end perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is side perspective view showing the underside of a preferredembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective exploded view of a preferred embodimentof the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective exploded view of a preferred embodimentof the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial elevation view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention showing the connecting bar and barrail prior to assembly;

FIG. 10 is a partial end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention illustrating one of the bar rails; and

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention illustrating two of the racks;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view with the cover exploded, of an alternativeembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the alternative embodiment of the apparatusshown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a partial pictorial view of the tub of the apparatus shown inFIG. 11; and

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 11, with aportion of the cover cut away.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1–11 show a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the presentinvention designated generally by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. InFIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, the apparatus 10 of the present invention is shownwith the cover removed for clarity.

Portable greenhouse cart apparatus 10 has a frame 11 that includes alarge tub or reservoir 17 manufactured for example of plastic ormetallic construction and supported by legs 12, horizontal braces 13,vertical members 14 and horizontal braces 15 that can function as axles.A pair of spaced apart wheels 16 are attached to frame 11 oppositehandle 28.

Tub 17 is preferably a liquid containing vessel or reservoir that can bemanufactured of any material that will hold water or a mixture of waterand liquid fertilizer. The tub 17 has a bottom wall 18 and a pluralityof side walls 19, 20 as well as end walls 21, 22. One of the side walls19, 20 or end wall 21, 22 can include a fitting 23 that communicateswith inlet flow line 24. Flow line 24 is provided for adding water tothe interior of tub 17 such as during a filling of the tub such as byhose 24′ attached to fitting 23 or when it is desired that water shouldbe sprayed upon potted plants that are growing in pots 38, 39 supportedby racks 34, 35.

A drain fitting 25 can be used to drain water from tub 17 if it isdesired to water plants using spray head 26 and not through wickingaction. As with fitting 23, drain fitting may be connected to a hose 24′(not shown) so that drain water may be directed to a convenient disposalarea.

Spray head 26 can be mounted at one end portion of inlet flow line 24,preferably a riser section that positions the spray head 26 above anypotted plants that are growing in pots 38, 39 on racks 34, 35. Ifdesired for additional coverage, multiple spray heads 26 may bepositioned at selected locations in tub 17.

A heater 27 can be provided for heating tub 17 and/or water that iscontained within tub 17. Conventional electrical strip heaters such aslow wattage flexible strips available from such as Watlow ElectricManufacturing Company or Omega Engineering, Inc. may be disposed belowtub 17 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Selection of a particular strip will beinfluenced by the amount of heat to be supplied to tub 17 as well as thematerial of which it is composed.

Handle 28 is positioned opposite wheels 16 and can support storage tray29 as shown in FIG. 1.

A frame 31 is provided that supports translucent cover 32. Cover 32 canbe translucent or transparent as desired. The illustrated cover 32 is aunitary structure of clear plastic such as Lexan® polycarbonate materialavailable from General Electric Company, Inc. Alternatively, cover 32may be translucent should it be desirable to shield the contents of cart10 from view. Likewise, individual sheets of plastic material may beattached to selected frame members 31, either permanently or withdetachable means such as screws, clips and clamps. Also, within thescope of the present invention, cover 32 may be a flexible clear plasticor fabric which is conveniently draped over frame 31.

A lamp 33 is supported above translucent or transparent cover 32. Thelamp 33 is preferably mounted upon a swivel or pivoting post so that thelamp 33 can be rotated away from cover 32 such as when the cover 32 isto be removed. Frame 31 is comprised of a number of framed parts thatinclude legs 47, horizontal supports 48, vertical sections 49, inclinedsections 50, and horizontal sections 51 as shown in the drawings. Theframe 31 can be a unitary structure that can be lifted from tub 17, asin the preferred embodiment. The leg portions 47 of frame 31 can simplyrest upon the bottom 18 of tub 17. Frames parts illustrated are of suchas ′/z inch to 1 inch diameter PVC pipe using connectors such as elbows,“T”s and sleeves. Alternatively, metal tubing of steel, aluminum andsimilar materials may be utilized as well as analogous angular or stripmaterials. Preferable materials are those light in weight such that theoverall weight of cart 10 does not impeded its movement.

A plurality of racks 34, 35, preferably of different internal size foraccommodating pots of different diameters are supported by frame 31 andmore particularly by the horizontal supports 48. Each rack 34, 35 hasrespective openings 36, 37 of differing dimensions so that a pluralityof racks 34, 35, or additional racks can carry a number of pots 38, 39(or other pots) of differing diameters.

Each rack 34, 35 is constructed of bar rails 40 and connecting bars 44.This construction of racks 34, 35 can best be seen in FIGS. 5–11. Intheir preferred embodiment, each bar rail 40 has end portions withnotches 41 that fit the horizontal supports 48 of frame 31. Openings 42in bar rails 40 receive pegs 45 of connecting bars 44. In the preferredembodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, peg 45 includes a detent 45′ whichcooperates with the bar rail 40 at opening 42 to retain peg 45 therein.Each bar rail 40 has notches or recesses 43 that receive horizontalprojections 46 that are at the end portions of connecting bars 44 asshown in FIGS. 7–11. The bar rails are connected together using aplurality of connecting bars 44 as shown in FIGS. 7–9 wherein the pegs45 of connecting bars 44 fit into in a snap fashion the openings 42 inbar rails 40. As may be best seen in FIG. 11, connecting bars 44 may befabricated of differing lengths as illustrated, such that openings 38may be readily varied in size to accommodate different sized pots.

In the embodiment of racks 34, 35 illustrated, openings 42 are spaced ata preselected distance x which is then also the operative length of thesmallest cross or connecting bars 44. The distance x is selected to beslightly smaller than the diameter of a planting pot to be ultimatelypositioned into racks 34, 35. Additional sizes of cross or connectingbars 44 are provided which are of an operative length of such as 2× and3x. By this coordinated sizing, racks 34, 35 may be readily fabricatedfrom bar rails 40 and connecting bars 44 of differing sizes toaccommodate larger pots as well.

Completed pot racks 34, 35 are shown in FIG. 16. Each completed pot rack34, 35 includes at least a pair of spaced apart bar rails and aplurality of connecting bars 44. Handles 52 can be fitted to the endportions of each bar rail 40. The handles 52 have a similarconfiguration to the connecting bars 44, so that projections 46 and pegs45 of each handle 52 fit the recess 53 and opening 54 that are providedat opposing ends of bar rail 40.

Each of the racks 34, 35 provides preferably a plurality of openings,each for receiving a pot. These openings are smaller for the rack 34wherein the openings are designated generally by the numeral 36. Theseopenings are larger for the rack 35, designated by the numeral 37.Openings 36, 37 can thus be provided of a variety of dimensionalconfigurations for accommodating either rounded or squared pots, or potsof other shapes, as well as pots of differing diameters and dimensions.

FIGS. 12–15 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the portablegreenhouse cart apparatus 10 of the present invention. As illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 15, the frame 11, legs 12, braces 13 vertical members 14and tub or reservoir 17 illustrated in the FIGS. 1–11 are incorporatedinto a molded chassis; wherein legs 12′ are an integral part of chassis10′. Likewise, the tub or reservoir 17′ is a molded unit, affixed tochassis 10′ as by welding, adhesives or mechanical fasteners, accordingto the materials chosen for the chassis, i.e., plastics or metal. Byforming an integral chassis, a storage area 55 may be incorporated,including a closable door 56 to secure the contents of storage area 55when not in use.

The remaining aspects of chassis 10′ are similar to those previouslyillustrated and described. FIG. 14 illustrates tub or reservoir 17′including elongated groves 57 in which heating elements as previouslydescribed may be disposed.

The following is a list of suitable parts and materials for the variouselements of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

PARTS LIST

-   10 greenhouse cart apparatus-   10′ integral chassis-   11 frame-   12 leg-   12′ integral leg-   13 horizontal brace-   14 vertical member-   15 horizontal brace-   16 wheel-   17 tub-   17′ integral tub-   18 bottom-   19 side wall-   20 side wall-   21 end wall-   22 end wall-   23 fitting-   24 inlet flowline-   24′ hose-   25 drain-   26 spray head-   27 heater-   28 handle-   29 storage tray-   30 upper edge-   31 frame-   32 translucent cover-   33 lamp-   34 rack-   35 rack-   36 opening-   37 opening-   38 pot-   39 pot-   40 bar rail-   41 notch-   42 opening-   43 recess-   44 connecting bar-   45 peg-   45′ detent-   46 projection-   47 leg-   48 horizontal support-   49 vertical section-   50 inclined section-   51 horizontal section-   52 handle-   53 recess-   54 opening-   55 storage area-   56 door-   57 groove

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; thescope of the present invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A rack for a portable greenhouse having a tray comprising: at leasttwo bar rails of a length to be supported by opposite sides of the tray;a plurality of connecting bars adapted to be removably connected to twoof said bar rails; said bar rails having lateral openings disposedtherein, at regular intervals of a preselected distance x extending fromone end of the bar rail to the other end of the bar rail; said bar railson one longitudinal surface thereof, have a recess disposed in thesurface vertically above the opening; said connecting bars having alength of x and a peg disposed on each end of the bar rail, said peghaving a cross-sectional dimension so as to be tightly received in theopening; said connecting bars have on each end thereof, disposed abovethe peg, a projection having a cross-sectional dimension so as to beclosely received in said recess when said peg is received in theopening; whereby the connecting bars may be removably connected to thebar rails at selected openings to form a rack suspendable by the sidesof the tray.
 2. A rack for a portable greenhouse according to claim 1wherein said pegs have disposed on the exposed ends thereof, a detentcooperable with the bar rail at the opening whereby the connecting baris retained in the opening in the bar rail.
 3. A rack for a portablegreenhouse according to claim 1 wherein the bar rails have a first and asecond vertical section and an elongated horizontal section connectingthe lower ends of the vertical sections.
 4. A rack for a portablegreenhouse according to claim 3 wherein the bar rails vertical sectionhas a transverse recess for receiving a connection bar as a handle.
 5. Arack for a portable greenhouse according to claim 4 wherein the barrails have a lateral opening disposed adjacent the upper end of thevertical sections to receive the connecting bar pegs therein.
 6. A rackfor a portable greenhouse according to claim 2 wherein the detent isformed by a slightly enlarged head disposed on the peg, which oninsertion through the opening, retards the detachment of the peg fromthe rail.
 7. A rack for a portable greenhouse according to claim 1wherein the bar rails have a length comparable to the width of the trayand have outwardly opening end notches for engaging and receiving thesides of the tray.
 8. A rack for a portable greenhouse according toclaim 1 wherein the connecting bars are disposed in successive openings.9. A rack for a portable greenhouse according to claim 1 wherein theconnecting bars have a length of 2×.
 10. A rack for a portablegreenhouse according to claim 9 wherein the connecting bars are disposedin every other successive opening of the bar rails.
 11. A rack for aportable greenhouse according to claim 1 wherein the connecting barshave a length of 3×.
 12. A rack for a portable greenhouse according toclaim 11 wherein the connecting bars are disposed in every thirdsuccessive opening in the bar rails.